Rare Astropecten matilijaensis Seastar Fossil from California

This is a truly exquisite fossil seastar fossil from the famous Cozy Dell Formation, not too far inland in Ventura County California. The plate contains a complete specimen of Astropecten matilijaensi that is a rare occurence in the formation.

Generally, starfish are relatively uncommon in the fossil record owing to the fragility of the creature’s body. Starfish are already difficult to find at Cozy Dell, and specimens with this state of detailed preservation are indeed rare.